Oneida Daily Dispatch - Nick Will
Oneida City Workers were seen removing the second half of the basketball court at Higinbotham Park in Oneida on April 29.

ONEIDA>> Early Tuesday, Oneida city workers started removing the second half of the basketball court at Higinbotham Park in downtown Oneida.

Two weeks ago, there was public outcry when Oneida city Mayor Max Smith ordered the court to be removed to make way for grass seed and more park benches, converting the small park into a more passive activity space where downtown employees could eat lunch and residents can enjoy concerts. Several city officials also said that they had received numerous complaints regarding loud and disruptive behavior by some of those who frequented the basketball court. The mayor called it a council decision, but there was never a vote or discussion in open session until after the project was halted at the halfway mark.

After protesters converged on the park when the court’s removal began, the process was temporarily put on hold.

Smith previously indicated that he was letting things calm down before making another move, but that the court would ultimately be removed.

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Which is what happened on Tuesday.

The area will be leveled and grass seed, Smith said Tuesday afternoon. Soon, benches and possibly a decorative planter will be added to the area.

Those against the removal of the park feature said that the city Common Council should not have done so without putting it to a vote. Many felt it unfair that the city would take away a popular feature that was convenient for children who lived in the area.

Smith said that he doesn’t feel that the issue needed to be put to a vote, noting that the city will often make fencing repairs or decorative additions to parks without a vote.

About the Author

Jolene Cleaver is a staff writer at the Oneida Dispatch. Her coverage focuses on crime, government and community events. Reach the author at jcleaver@oneidadispatch.com
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